U.S. patent application number 14/751488 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-29 for modular cooling system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Seagate Technology LLC. Invention is credited to Laurence A. Harvilchuck, Alex Carl Worrall.
Application Number | 20160381834 14/751488 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57601580 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160381834 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harvilchuck; Laurence A. ;
et al. |
December 29, 2016 |
MODULAR COOLING SYSTEM
Abstract
Technologies for modular cooling systems for cooling electronic
components installed in equipment racks are provided herein. A
modular cooling system comprises a cold plate and a support
manifold connected to the cold plate. Together, the support
manifold and cold plate define a fluid path for cooling fluid from
the support manifold to the cold plate. The modular cooling system
also includes an equipment carrier including equipment cooled by
the cold plate.
Inventors: |
Harvilchuck; Laurence A.;
(Brackney, PA) ; Worrall; Alex Carl;
(Waterlooville, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seagate Technology LLC |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57601580 |
Appl. No.: |
14/751488 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/236 ;
165/166; 285/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 9/0075 20130101;
G06F 1/20 20130101; H05K 7/20627 20130101; F28F 9/0219 20130101;
F16L 37/18 20130101; F16L 37/146 20130101; F28F 3/12 20130101; G06F
2200/201 20130101; F28F 9/02 20130101; F16L 37/32 20130101; H05K
7/20636 20130101; H05K 7/20781 20130101; F28F 9/0275 20130101; F28F
2280/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/20 20060101
H05K007/20; F16L 37/14 20060101 F16L037/14; F28F 9/02 20060101
F28F009/02 |
Claims
1. A cooling system comprising: a cold plate; a support manifold
connected to the cold plate, the support manifold and cold plate
together defining a fluid path for cooling fluid from the support
manifold to the cold plate; and an equipment carrier including
electrical equipment cooled by the cold plate.
2. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a modular
carrier, wherein the cold plate, equipment carrier, and support
manifold are mounted within the modular carrier.
3. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the cold plate defines a
retainer pocket; and the support manifold comprises a plate
retainer, wherein the plate retainer is removably connected to the
retainer pocket.
4. The cooling system of claim 3, wherein the support manifold
further comprises a first channel and a second channel, wherein the
first channel is a coolant supply channel and the second channel is
a coolant return channel, and wherein the support manifold provides
mechanical support for the electrical equipment.
5. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a first bus
bar in a first channel of the support manifold, a second bus bar in
a second channel of the support manifold, and a power module housed
in the cold plate, wherein the power module is in electrical
communication with the first bus bar and the second bus bar.
6. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the cold plate is a first
cold plate and includes: a first connector rib; a first connector
groove; a first vertical stop surface; and a first horizontal stop
surface.
7. The cooling system of claim 6, further comprising a second cold
plate, the second cold plate including: a second connector rib; a
second connector groove; a second vertical stop surface; and a
second horizontal stop surface, wherein the second connector rib
engages the first connector groove and the first connector rib
engages the second connector groove.
8. The cooling system of claim 7, wherein in a neutral position,
the first horizontal stop surface engages the second horizontal
stop surface and the first vertical stop surface is disengaged from
the second vertical stop surface, and in a disengaged position, the
first vertical stop surface engages the second vertical stop
surface and the first horizontal stop surface is disengaged from
the second horizontal stop surface.
9. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the cold plate includes a
plate connector and the support manifold includes a manifold
connector engageable with the plate connector, and wherein the
electrical equipment is selected from the group consisting of
storage devices, central processing units, networking devices,
communication devices, and video processors.
10. A connection manifold comprising: a manifold body; a first
fluid channel defined in the manifold body; and a second fluid
channel defined in the manifold body, the manifold body providing
mechanical support for electrical equipment cooled by the first and
second fluid channels.
11. The connection manifold of claim 10, wherein the first fluid
channel is a cooling fluid supply channel and the second fluid
channel is a cooling fluid return channel, and wherein the
connection manifold is configured for installation in a server
rack.
12. The connection manifold of claim 10, wherein the connection
manifold is constructed from a flexible material.
13. The connection manifold of claim 10, further comprising a first
cabling groove.
14. The connection manifold of claim 13, further comprising a
second cabling groove that is configured to house a data or power
cable connected to storage devices.
15. The connection manifold of claim 13, wherein the connection
manifold further comprises a groove positioned near the first and
second fluid channels, the groove housing at least one cable for
power or data transmission.
16. A fluid connection system comprising: a connector; a sliding
arm attached to the connector; and a cam adapted to move the
sliding arm, wherein the connector, the sliding arm, and the cam
are configured for use in an electronic equipment rack.
17. The fluid connection system of claim 16, wherein the cam
defines a claw portion and a hump portion, wherein the hump portion
is engageable with a sliding pin connected to the sliding arm.
18. The fluid connection system of claim 17, wherein the sliding
pin is movable by the hump portion, wherein the fluid connection
system defines: a disengaged and unmated position when the hump
portion and sliding pin are disengaged, a disengaged and mated
position when the hump portion and sliding pin are in contact and
the sliding pin is unmoved, and an engaged and mated position when
the hump portion and sliding pin are in contact and the sliding pin
is moved by the hump portion.
19. The fluid connection system of claim 16, further comprising a
pivot pin.
20. The fluid connection system of claim 16, wherein the connector
comprises an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, the connector
further comprising a sliding slot defined in the outer sleeve,
wherein the sliding arm is movable in the sliding slot.
Description
SUMMARY
[0001] Disclosed are technologies for modular cooling systems.
According to various embodiments, a modular cooling system
includes: a cold plate; a support manifold connected to the cold
plate, the support manifold and cold plate together defining a
fluid path for cooling fluid from the support manifold to the cold
plate; and an equipment carrier including electrical equipment
cooled by the cold plate.
[0002] In further embodiments, a connection manifold for a modular
cooling system includes: a manifold body; a first fluid channel
defined in the manifold body; and a second fluid channel defined in
the manifold body, the manifold body providing mechanical support
for electrical equipment cooled by the first and second fluid
channels.
[0003] In further embodiments, a fluid connection system for a
modular cooling system includes: a connector; a sliding arm
attached to the connector; and a cam adapted to move the sliding
arm, wherein the connector, the sliding arm, and the cam are
configured for use in an electronic equipment rack.
[0004] Various implementations described in the present disclosure
may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages,
which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of
the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is
intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages
be included within the present disclosure and protected by the
accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The features and components of the following figures are
illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present
disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the
figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the
sake of consistency and clarity.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a partially-exploded perspective view of a modular
cooling system with an equipment rack according to various
embodiments of the present disclosure including a connector
manifold connecting a tray system with a cooling manifold and heat
exchanger.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connector manifold
of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a connector manifold in
accordance with another embodiment of the current disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a connector manifold in
accordance with another embodiment of the current disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a front view of an equipment rack with a modular
cooling system according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure including a cold plate and support manifold.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a front view of the cold plate and support
manifold of FIG. 5 with the support manifold connected to a rail,
the cold plate mounted on the support manifold, and a drive carrier
positioned on the rail and cold plate.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a partial front view of two cold plates of FIG. 5
in a decoupled position.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cold plate and support
manifold of FIG. 5.
[0014] FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the cold plate and
support manifold of FIG. 5 showing at least one plate connector of
the cold plate in fluid communication with at least one manifold
connector of the support manifold.
[0015] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the cold plate and
support manifold of FIG. 5 showing the cold plate mounted on the
support manifold.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a partial top view of the support manifold and
cold plate of FIG. 5 taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 8.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a partial side view of the support manifold and
cold plate of FIG. 1 taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 8.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a partial front view of a manifold cooling system
in accordance with another embodiment of the current disclosure
including a cold plate and a support manifold with the support
manifold connected to a rail, the cold plate mounted on the support
manifold, and a drive carrier positioned on the rail and cold
plate.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a support manifold and cold
plate of FIG. 13.
[0020] FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the support manifold
and cold plate of FIG. 13.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a partial side view of the support manifold and
cold plate of FIG. 13 taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 14.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a partial top view of the support manifold and
cold plate of FIG. 13 the cold plate and support manifold taken
along line 17-17 in FIG. 14.
[0023] FIG. 18 is a partial side view of the cold plate and support
manifold of FIG. 5 showing an actuation system including a pivot
pin, cam, and sliding pin.
[0024] FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pivot pin,
cam, and sliding pin of the actuation system of FIG. 18 in an
unmated and disengaged position.
[0025] FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pivot pin,
cam, and sliding pin of the actuation system of FIG. 18 in an
unmated and engaged position.
[0026] FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pivot pin,
cam, and sliding pin of the actuation system of FIG. 18 in a mated
and engaged position.
[0027] FIG. 22 is a detailed view of the at least one plate
connector and the at least one manifold connector of FIG. 9 in an
unmated and disengaged position.
[0028] FIG. 23 is a detailed view of the at least one plate
connector and the at least one manifold connector of FIG. 9 in an
unmated and engaged position.
[0029] FIG. 24 is a detailed view of the at least one plate
connector and the at least one manifold connector of FIG. 9 in a
mated and engaged position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The following detailed description is directed to
technologies for modular cooling systems for cooling electronic
components installed in equipment racks. Electronic systems, such
as computer systems, have various electronic components that use
electrical energy but generate heat as a byproduct. Computer
systems that are rack-based include many rack-mounted components in
a high-density arrangement, which can produce a great amount of
heat. If the heat is not removed from these systems, the various
electronic components may suffer damage. Therefore, cooling systems
are an important consideration for rack-based electronic systems.
However, cooling systems typically use a large amount of materials
and occupy much space within the rack-based system that could
otherwise be used for increasing the drive densities of the
rack-based system.
[0031] Various embodiments of a modular cooling system 100 are
disclosed and described in FIG. 1. The modular cooling system 100
of the various embodiments includes at least one connector manifold
102 connecting a cooling manifold 104, an airfoil 106, and a heat
exchanger 108 to an equipment rack 110. The cooling manifold 104,
airfoil 106, and heat exchanger 108 are utilized to supply and
receive cooling fluid through the connector manifolds 102 to the
equipment rack 110. In particular, the cooling manifold 104
provides coolant to a cold plate, discussed in greater detail
below, to remove heat from equipment in the equipment rack 110.
Passages are present in or near the cooling manifold 104 to
transport the coolant returned from all sources to the heat
exchanger 108 prior to cycling back to a cooling device or
fan/blower module (not shown).
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, equipment racks 110 are typically
box-like structures or cabinets that contain a number of removable
modules or a number of removable trays. The modules or trays may
hold one or more electronic components, including, but not limited
to, central processing units, storage devices, networking or
communication devices and equipment, video processing equipment,
and various other electronic components mounted in equipment racks.
A design configuration consideration for the equipment rack 110 is
to utilize most of the space within the rack 110 with placement of
electronic components, such as computer servers (using a server
rack), controllers, switches, and various other functional
equipment, and to minimize the support or peripheral equipment,
such as power distribution devices, power supply cables, and other
peripheral equipment, within the rack 110.
[0033] In various embodiments, the equipment rack 110 houses at
least one cooling tray 114 and at least one equipment tray 116. The
trays 114,116 are stacked in the equipment rack 110. The connector
manifolds 102 connect the cooling manifold 104, airfoil 106, and
heat exchanger 108 to the cooling trays 114 to supply and take
cooling fluid to the cooling trays 114. In various embodiments, the
connector manifolds 102 also provide cabling management and connect
equipment trays 116 to other power, I/O, or other equipment within
the equipment rack 110 or external to the equipment rack 110. In
various embodiments, the connector manifolds 102 are constructed
from a material such as various metals, plastics, composites, or
various other materials enabling the manifold 102 to be flexible.
In various embodiments, the connector manifolds 102 are constructed
from or includes a shielding material such as rubber for offering
shielded management of I/O cabling or power cabling.
[0034] To access a single tray in the stack of trays 114,116, the
trays 114,116 stacked on top of the target tray generally are
raised or lifted to provide access to the target tray. In various
embodiments where the connector manifolds 102 are flexible, even as
trays 114,116 are moved vertically to access the target tray, the
connector manifolds 102 maintain the integrity of the connection
between the connector manifolds 102 and the trays 114,116. In this
manner, the target tray may be accessed without disrupting the
connections to other trays 114,116 in the equipment rack 110.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connector manifold
102 taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the
connector manifold 102 includes a body 200 with an outer surface
202. The body 200 defines a first channel 204 and a second channel
206. In various embodiments, the first channel 204 is a coolant
supply channel and the second channel 206 is a coolant return
channel. In various other embodiments, the first channel 204 is the
coolant return channel and the second channel 206 is the coolant
supply channel. According to various examples, the manifold body
200 provides mechanical support for electrical equipment cooled by
the first and second fluid channels.
[0036] The connector manifold 102 also includes a first groove 208
defined in the outer surface 202 and extending into the body 200.
The first groove 208 defines a groove surface 210. In various
embodiments, the connector manifold 102 includes a first groove
extension 212 and a second groove extension 214 extending partially
above the groove 208. As shown in FIG. 2, in various embodiments,
the groove 208 houses a first cable 216. In this manner, the
connector manifold 102 provides cable management by housing the
first cable 216 in the single connector manifold 102 and thereby
reducing the amount of free cables typically found in electronic or
computing systems. The groove extensions 212,214 ensure that the
first cable 216 is retained within the first groove 208 of the
connector manifold 102. In various embodiments, the first cable 216
may be an I/O cable, data transmission cable, power cable, or any
other cable used in electronics or computing systems. In various
embodiments, the channels 204,206 for coolant may actively cool the
first cable 216 and thereby allow for smaller conductor diameters
or alternative conductor materials to be used for the manifold 102.
In various embodiments, the first channel 204, the second channel
206, and the first groove 208 extend through or are defined in the
body 200 for an entire length of the connector manifold 102.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another connector
manifold 102' according to further embodiments of the current
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the connector manifold 102' has the
body 200 with the outer surface 202, the first channel 204, and the
second channel 206. As shown in FIG. 3, the connector manifold 102'
does not include the first groove 208 shown in FIG. 2 but otherwise
functions similarly to the connector manifold 102.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another connector manifold
102'' according to further embodiments of the current disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 4, the connector manifold 102'' includes the body
200 with the outer surface 202, the first channel 204, the second
channel 206, and the first groove 208. The connector manifold 102''
also includes a second groove 410 defined in the outer surface 202
and extending into the body 200. The second groove 410 defines a
groove surface 414. In various embodiments, the connector manifold
102'' may also include a third groove extension 420 and a fourth
groove extension 422 extending partially above the second groove
410. As shown in FIG. 4, in various embodiments, the second groove
410 houses a second cable 424. In this manner, the connector
manifold 102'' provides cable management by housing the cables
216,424 in the grooves 208,410 and thereby reducing the amount of
free cables typically found in electronic or computing systems. The
groove extensions 420,422 ensure that the second cable 424 is
retained within the connector manifold 102''. The groove extensions
420,422 also ensure the cable 424 is retained within the second
groove 410 of the connector manifold 102''. In various embodiments,
the first cable 216 is an I/O cable and the second cable 424 is a
power cable. However, the disclosure of the cables 216,424 should
not be considered limiting as in various embodiments, the cables
216,424 may be any type of cable used in electronics or computing
systems. In various embodiments, the channels 204,206 for coolant
may actively cool the cables 216,424 and thereby allow for smaller
conductor diameters or alternative conductor materials to be used
for the manifold 102''.
[0039] Some components of a modular cooling system 500 are
disclosed and described in
[0040] FIG. 5. According to various embodiments, the modular
cooling system 500 may include at least one support manifold 502
and at least one cold plate 504. In the present embodiment, the
modular cooling system 500 includes a plurality of support
manifolds 502 and a plurality of cold plates 504. As shown in FIG.
5, in various embodiments, the modular cooling system 500 is part
of a modular carrier such as an equipment rack 506. Equipment rack
506 is similar to equipment rack 110, but equipment rack 506
contains a number of removable modules rather than removable trays
as with equipment rack 110.
[0041] The equipment rack 506 includes at least one mounting
mechanism for supporting an equipment carrier 508 and the support
manifold 502 in the equipment rack 506. In the present embodiment,
the mounting mechanism is rails 510; however, in various other
embodiments, the mounting mechanism includes those mechanisms from
the group including, but not limited to, slots, mounting apertures,
screws, mounting brackets, runners, wheels, and any other mechanism
suitable for mounting and supporting equipment modules positioned
on or in the equipment rack 506.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, each support manifold 502 may be mounted
on a rail 510. Each support manifold 502 defines a first channel
522 and a second channel 524. In various embodiments, the first
channel 522 is a coolant supply channel for supplying coolant from
a cooling manifold, such as cooling manifold 104, to the cold
plates 504 and the second channel 524 is a coolant return channel
for returning coolant from the cold plates 504 to the cooling
manifold 104. In various other embodiments, the first channel 522
is the coolant return channel and the second channel 524 is the
coolant supply channel. According to various examples, the support
manifold 502 provides mechanical support for various electrical
components to be cooled by the cold plate 504, as described in
greater detail below.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, in various embodiments the cold plate
504 is mounted on the support manifold 502 in the equipment rack
506. In various embodiments, a single level within the equipment
rack 506 includes a single cold plate 504; however, in various
other embodiments, a single level within the equipment rack
includes more than one cold plate 504, such as two cold plates 504.
As shown in FIG. 5, the cold plates 504 on the same level include
an engagement mechanism 512 for connecting the cold plates 504, as
described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 6-8. In
various embodiments, a single level within the equipment rack
includes two cold plates 504, two support manifolds 502, and two
rails 510.
[0044] The equipment rack 506 also includes equipment carriers 508
which support equipment for computing or electronics. As shown in
FIG. 5, in various embodiments, the equipment carriers 508 are
mounted on the rails 510 and in contact with the cold plates 504.
As described below with reference to FIG. 9, each cold plate 504
includes coolant tubing housed within the cold plate. Coolant is
supplied to the cold plate 504 through the channels 522,524 in the
support manifold 502. As coolant flows through the cold plate 504,
the contact between the cold plate 504 and the equipment carrier
508 allows for the transfer of heat generated by the equipment in
the equipment carriers 508 to the coolant. The heated coolant flows
out of the cold plate 504 and back into the support manifold 502,
where the coolant is chilled again. This cycle repeats continuously
to ensure the equipment of the equipment carriers 508 does not get
overheated. In various embodiments, the cold plates 504 may be
extendably movable along the rails 510 through the support
manifolds 502 relative to the equipment rack 506. As described
below in greater detail, in various embodiments the support
manifolds 502 include a number of telescoping parts such that the
support manifold 502 is selectively lengthened as the cold plate
504 moves relative to the rail 510. In these embodiments, the
telescoping support manifolds 502 may maintain the integrity of the
connection between the support manifold 502 and the cold plate 504,
as will be described in greater detail below. In various
embodiments, adjacent equipment carriers 508 may be coupled
together with an equipment connector 514.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows one level from the equipment rack 506 with
support manifolds 502 connected to the rails 510, the cold plates
504 mounted on the support manifolds 502, and the equipment
carriers 508 mounted on the rails 510 and in contact with the cold
plates 504. As previously described, in various embodiments, the
rail 510 is utilized in the equipment rack 506 as a mechanism for
mounting and supporting various equipment within the equipment rack
506. In various embodiments, the rail 510 defines a channel 600.
The channel 600 defines a profile complimentary to a key 602 of the
support manifold 502 such that the key 602 may be inserted into the
channel 600 to mount and secure the support manifold 502 to the
rail 510. In various embodiments, the key 602 is integrally formed
with the support manifold 502; however, in various other
embodiments, the key 602 is attached to the support manifold 502
with an attachment mechanism such as those in the group including,
but not limited to, welding, adhesives, fasteners, and various
other attachment mechanisms. In various embodiments, the key 602 is
movable within the channel 600 such that the support manifold 502
is movable along the rail 510 while remaining mounted on the rail
510. The shape of the rail 510, the channel 600, or the key 602
should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in
various embodiments, the rail 510, channel 600, or key 602 may have
any desired shape.
[0046] The support manifold 502 includes a top side 606, a bottom
side 608, a first side 610, and a second side 612 in various
embodiments. As shown in FIG. 6, the support manifold 502 also
includes a center wall 630 within the support manifold 502 in
various embodiments. In various embodiments, the support manifold
502 has a generally rectangular profile with the center wall 630
dividing the manifold into the first channel 522 and the second
channel 524; however, the shape of the support manifold 502, the
first channel 522, or the second channel 524 should not be
considered limiting as in various other embodiments, the support
manifold 502, first channel 522, or the second channel 524 may have
a square, elliptical, circular, angled, or any other desired shape
profile with a center wall 630 forming at least two channels in the
manifold 502.
[0047] In various embodiments, the support manifold 502 includes a
number of telescoping parts such that the support manifold 502 is
selectively lengthened as the cold plate 504 moves relative to the
rail 510. In various embodiments, each of the sides 606,608,610,612
include several interconnected and telescoping panels such that a
length of the support manifold 502 may be selectively increased or
decreased. In these embodiments, the telescoping support manifolds
502 may maintain the integrity of the connection between the
support manifold 502 and the cold plate 504.
[0048] In various embodiments, the cold plate 504 includes a
manifold side 648 and a coupling side 650. In various embodiments,
the coupling side 650 defines the engagement mechanism 512. In
various embodiments, the engagement mechanism 512 is a rib 616 and
groove 618 on each cold plate 504 engaging the corresponding rib
616 and groove 618 on an adjacent cold plate 504. FIG. 8 shows a
single cold plate 504 with both the rib 616 and the groove 618. The
engagement mechanism 512 allows for upward movement of the engaged
or mated cold plates 504 such that the cold plates 504 may detach
from each other and the support manifolds 502 while preventing
downward movement of the plates 504 beyond a substantially planar
configuration
[0049] In various embodiments, the coupling side 650 also defines a
horizontal stop surface 658 and a vertical stop surface 664. The
rib 616 having a rib surface 662 is defined at the coupling side
650 for a portion of the coupling side 650 (shown in FIG. 8). As
shown in FIG. 6, the rib 616 includes an outer end surface 690. In
various embodiments, the outer end surface 690 of the rib 616 may
be coplanar with a front end surface 692 of the cold plate 504 or a
back end surface 694 of the cold plate 504; however, in various
other embodiments, the outer end surface 690 is not coplanar with
either the front end surface 692 or the back end surface 694. In
various embodiments, the groove 618 having a groove surface 660 is
defined at the coupling side 650 along a portion of the coupling
side 650 (shown in FIG. 8). The profile of the rib 616 compliments
the profile of the groove 618. As shown in FIG. 6, the
complimentary coupling side features of one cold plate 504 and an
adjacent cold plate 504 are mated, thereby providing the engagement
necessary to support the cold plates 504 in the neutral position as
well as the constraint necessary to permit rotation of the plates
504 only for decoupling and to avoid sagging of the plates 504. The
mating of adjacent cold plates 504 will be described in greater
detail below.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, the support manifold 502 includes a
plate retainer 642 in various embodiments. The plate retainer 642
has a profile complimentary to the profile of a retainer pocket 640
formed in the cold plate 504. In various embodiments, the retainer
pocket 640 is defined at the manifold side 648 of the cold plate
extending from the manifold side 648 into the cold plate 504. As
shown in FIG. 6, the retainer pocket 640 has a profile
complimentary to the profile of the plate retainer 642 such that
the plate retainer 642 is insertable into the retainer pocket 640
and engages the retainer pocket 640 to support the cold plate 504
to the support manifold 502. FIG. 6 shows the cold plate 504 in a
neutral position where the plate retainer 642 is mated with the
retainer pocket 640 and is providing vertical support to the cold
plate 504 and horizontal retention of the cold plate 504 against
the support manifold 502 without any other type of connector
engagement. As shown in FIG. 6, in the neutral position, at least a
portion of the manifold side 648 faces and is positioned adjacent
to at least a portion of the second side 612 of the support
manifold 502. The cold plate 504 via the retainer pocket 640 may be
movable around the plate retainer 642 but may remain mated with the
plate retainer 642 to provide support relief for the cold plate 504
as adjacent cold plates are lifted for disengagement or
decoupling.
[0051] In various embodiments, individual plates 504 are
manufactured by techniques such as injection molding for low cost
and convenience; however, in various other embodiments, the
individual cold plates 504 may be manufactured through various
casting, molding, forming, machining, joining, and various other
manufacturing techniques and may be constructed from various
metals, composites, plastics, or various other materials. Each
plate 504 is of a minimum thickness suitable to engage the plate
retainer 642 on the support manifold 502. In various embodiments,
each plate 504 includes alignment mechanisms, such as a protrusion
defined on the top surface 520 and a recess defined on the bottom
surface 654, for alignment of the plate 504 with equipment stacked
immediately below the cold plate 504 in the equipment rack 506.
These alignment mechanism may allow for easy stacking of equipment
carriers 508 and plates 504 in the equipment rack 506, akin to a
stack of books in various embodiments.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, the equipment carrier 508 is mounted on
the rail 510 and in contact with the cold plate 504. When the
equipment carrier 508 is in contact with the cold plate 504, the
cold plate 504 may cool the equipment carrier 508 as coolant flows
through coils housed in the cold plate 504.
[0053] In various embodiments, two cold plates 504 are coupled
together when used in the equipment rack 506. As used herein, two
cold plates 504 are in a neutral or coupled position when the rib
616 of one plate 504 is mated with the groove 618 of the other cold
plate 504, the horizontal stop surfaces 658 of each cold plate 504
face and abut each other, and the vertical stop surfaces 664 are
spaced apart. FIG. 6 shows two cold plates 504 in the neutral
position. As used herein, two cold plates 504 are in a decoupled
position when the rib 616 of one plate 504 is mated with the groove
618 of the other cold plate 504, the vertical stop surfaces 664 of
each cold plate 504 face and abut each other, and the horizontal
stop surfaces 658 are spaced apart. FIG. 7 shows two cold plates
504 in the decoupled position. An axis of rotation 700 is defined
through the center of the aligned ribs 616 of two adjoining plates
504.
[0054] In the neutral position, the plates 504 are maintained in a
substantially horizontal position and the cold plates 504 are
constrained from rotating below this position. Loading on the
plates 504 in the neutral position is almost entirely vertical.
However, the engagement of the horizontal stop surfaces 658
prevents sagging of the plates 504 where the plates 504 are
coupled. Applying a downward ford on the plates 504 in the neutral
position does not result in the plates decoupling or rotation below
the neutral position. In the neutral position, support for each
plate 504 is provided by both the plate retainer 642 engaged with
the retainer pocket 640 and the cold plate 504.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, by applying an upward force indicated by
the arrow labeled A, the plates 504 rotate about the axis of
rotation 700 from the neutral position to the decoupled position.
In the decoupled position, the plates 504 may be decoupled and each
plate 504 may be removed independently. When one cold plate 504 is
removed, the sole support for the cold plate 504 remaining within
the equipment rack 506 provided by the plate retainer 642 engaged
with the retainer pocket 640.
[0056] The profile of the rib 616 and rib surface 662 permits
rotation of the cold plates 504 about the axis of rotation 700
between the neutral position with the horizontal stop surfaces 658
in contact with each other and the decoupled position with the
vertical stop surfaces 664 in contact with each other. In various
embodiments, the positioning and geometry of the horizontal stop
surface 658 and vertical stop surface 664 on each plate 504 defines
the degree of rotation possible for the plates 504 about the axis
of rotation 700. The degree of rotation may be varied by altering
the geometry of the plates 504 and the position of the horizontal
stop surface 658 and vertical stop surface 664 around the axis of
rotation 700.
[0057] FIG. 8 shows the cold plate 504 mounted on the support
manifold 502. As shown in FIG. 8, the support manifold 502 includes
a front end 800 and a back end 802. In various embodiments, either
the front end 800 or the back end 802 includes a sealing mechanism,
such as a plug, plate, or various other sealing mechanisms,
insertable in or over the channels 522,524 at the particular end
800 or end 802. When one of the ends 800,802 is sealed, access to
the respective channels 522,524 is through the unsealed end. In
various other embodiments, both ends 800,802 are sealed and access
to the channels 522,524 is through a connector on or through at
least one of the sides 606,608,610,612 of the support manifold 502
to the channels 522,524. In various embodiments, the sides
606,608,610,612 are each constructed from interconnected panels
such that the sides 606,608,610,612 are telescoping. The
telescoping sides 606,608,610,612 allow a length of the support
manifold 502, defined as the distance from the front end 800 to the
back end 802, to be selectively adjusted to increase or decrease
the length.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 8, the cold plate 504 includes a front end
804 and a back end 806. As previously described, at the coupling
side 650, the cold plate 504 includes the rib 616 and the groove
618. In various embodiments, the rib 616 extends from the back end
806 to an intermediary position 808 on the coupling side 650 and
the groove 618 extends from the front end 804 to the intermediary
position 808 on the coupling side 650. In various other
embodiments, the rib 616 extends from the front end 804 to the
intermediary position 808 and the groove 618 extends from the back
end 806 to the intermediary position 808. The rib 616 includes an
inner end 812 having an inner end surface 810 at the intermediary
position 808 and an outer end 814 having an outer end surface 690
(shown in FIG. 6) at the back end 806 of the cold plate 504. When
two cold plates 504 are coupled, the inner end surfaces 810 of the
cold plate 504 are positioned adjacent to and face each other. In
various embodiments when two cold plates 504 are coupled, the inner
end surfaces 810 abut and may come in contact with each other.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 9, in various embodiments, a manifold
supply connector 900 in the support manifold 502 is connectable
with a plate supply connector 902 in the cold plate 504 to define a
flow path from the first channel 522, through the connectors
900,902, to coolant tubing 904 part of a cooling system within the
cold plate 504. In various embodiments, the manifold supply
connector 900 is connectable with the plate supply connector 902
when the cold plate 504 is in the neutral position and the
connectors 900,902 are engaged. As shown in FIG. 9, in various
embodiments, the manifold supply connector 900 includes a first end
906 and a second end 908 and defines a fluid passageway from the
first end 906 to the second end 908. In various embodiments, the
manifold supply connector 900 extends from at least the first
channel 522, through the center wall 630, through the second
channel 524, and to the second side 612 of the support manifold
502. In various embodiments, the first end 906 defines and inlet
910 in fluid communication with the first channel 522 to allow
coolant to flow into the manifold supply connector 900. The second
end 908 defines an outlet 912. In various embodiments, the outlet
912 includes a plug that selectively opens the outlet 912 when the
manifold supply connector 900 and plate supply connector 902 are
connected and allows fluid flow out of the outlet 912.
[0060] As further shown in FIG. 9, the plate supply connector 902
includes a first end 914 and a second end 916. The plate supply
connector 902 defines a fluid passageway from the first end 914 to
the second end 916. The plate supply connector 902 extends from at
least the manifold side 648 of the cold plate 504 to the coolant
tubing 904 in the cold plate 504. The first end 914 defines and
inlet 918. In various embodiments, the inlet 918 includes a plug
that selectively opens the inlet 918 when the manifold supply
connector 900 and plate supply connector 902 are connected and
enables fluid flow from the outlet 912 of the manifold supply
connector 900 into the inlet 918 of the plate supply connector 902.
The second end 916 defines an outlet 920 in fluid communication
with the inlet portion 904a to allow coolant to flow from the plate
supply connector 902 to the coolant tubing 904.
[0061] In various embodiments, a manifold return connector 922 in
the support manifold 502 is connectable with a plate return
connector 924 in the cold plate 504 to define a flow path from the
coolant tubing 904, through the connectors 900,902, to the second
channel 524 in the support manifold 502. In various embodiments,
the plate return connector 924 includes a first end 926 and a
second end 928. The plate return connector 924 defines a fluid
passageway from the first end 926 to the second end 928. The plate
return connector 924 extends from at least the manifold side 648 of
the cold plate 504 to the coolant tubing 904 in the cold plate 504.
The first end 926 defines and outlet 930. In various embodiments,
the outlet 930 includes a plug that selectively opens the outlet
930 when the manifold return connector 922 and plate return
connector 924 are connected and enables fluid flow from the outlet
930 of the plate return connector 924. The second end 916 defines
an inlet 932 in fluid communication with the outlet portion 904b to
allow coolant to flow from the coolant tubing 904 to the and plate
return connector 924.
[0062] The manifold return connector 922 is connectable with the
plate return connector 924 when the cold plate 504 is in the
neutral position and the connectors 922,924 are engaged. As shown
in FIG. 9, the manifold return connector 922 includes a first end
934 and a second end 936. The manifold return connector 922 defines
a fluid passageway from the first end 934 to the second end 936.
The manifold return connector 922 extends from at least the second
channel 524 to the second side 612 of the support manifold 502. In
various embodiments, the second end 936 defines and inlet 938. In
various embodiments, the inlet 938 includes a plug that selectively
opens the inlet 938 when the manifold return connector 922 and
plate return connector 924 are connected and allows fluid flow from
coolant tubing 904, out the outlet 930 of the plate return
connector 924, into the inlet 938 of the manifold return connector
922, and into the second channel 524. The first end 934 defines an
outlet 940. In various embodiments, the outlet 940 is in fluid
communication with the second channel 524.
[0063] Although two pairs of connectors are shown in the present
embodiment, the supply connectors 900,902 and the return connectors
922,924, the number of connectors should not be considered limiting
as in various other embodiments, any desired number of connectors
may be utilized. In addition, the shape of the connectors
900,902,922,924 should not be considered limiting on the current
disclosure as in various embodiments, the connectors
900,902,922,924 may have any desired shape defining a fluid
passageway through the connectors 900,902,922,924 and enabling
fluid flow from the support manifold 502 to the cold plate 504.The
connectors 900,902,922,924 will be described in greater detail
below with reference to FIGS. 23-25.
[0064] FIG. 10 shows the plate retainer 642 of the support manifold
502 positioned in the retainer pocket 640 of the cold plate 504 in
the neutral position. As previously described, the profile of the
plate retainer 642 is complimentary to the profile of the retainer
pocket 640. In the neutral position, the profile of the plate
retainer 642 mates with the retainer pocket 640 to provide both
vertical support to the cold plate 504 and horizontal retention of
the cold plate 504 against the support manifold 502. In various
embodiments, the plate retainer 642 and retainer pocket 640 provide
horizontal retention of the cold plate 504 without any connector
engagement such as supply connectors 900,902 and/or return
connectors 922,924. In various embodiments, the cold plate 504 may
be variably positioned relative to the support manifold 502 by
variably positioning the plate retainer 642 within the retainer
pocket 640.
[0065] FIG. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cold
plate 504 mounted on the support manifold 502 taken along line
11-11 in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 11, the plate retainer 642 is
positioned in the retainer pocket 640 in the neutral position. FIG.
11 also shows a manifold supply fluid passageway 1102 of the
manifold supply connector 900 and a plate supply fluid passageway
1104 of the plate supply connector 902. As shown in FIG. 11, in
various embodiments, the cold plate 504 also defines a coolant
connector pocket 1100. In various embodiments, a coolant pocket
retainer 1106 is positioned in the coolant connector pocket 1100
for mounting and retaining the cold plate 504 on the support
manifold 502 through an actuation system, which is described in
greater detail with reference to FIGS. 18-21. In various
embodiments, the coolant pocket retainer 1106 is substantially
similar to the plate retainer 642. In various other embodiments,
the coolant connector pocket 1100 includes a profile complimentary
to the coolant pocket retainer 1106 such that coolant pocket
retainer 1106 engages the coolant connector pocket 1100 to retain
the cold plate 504 against the support manifold 502. As shown in
FIG. 11, the coolant connector pocket 1100 includes at least a
portion of the plate supply connector 902 extending through the
coolant connector pocket 1100.
[0066] FIG. 12 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cold
plate 504 mounted on the support manifold 502 taken along line
12-12 in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 12, the plate retainer 642 is
positioned in the retainer pocket 640 in the neutral position. In
addition, the connectors 902,924 are positioned in the coolant
connector pocket 1100 to connect with connectors 900,922 of the
support manifold 502. As shown in FIG. 12, a portion of the plate
return connector 924 extends through the coolant connector pocket
1100. FIG. 12 also shows the plate return fluid passageway 1200 of
the plate return connector 924.
[0067] FIG. 13 shows a front view of other embodiments of a support
manifold 502' and cold plate 504'. As shown in FIG. 13, in various
embodiments, the support manifold 502' is substantially similar to
the support manifold 502 and includes all the aforementioned
components of the support manifold 502. In addition, the support
manifold 502' includes voltage and ground electrical connectors. In
the present embodiment, the electrical connectors are a first bus
bar 1300 and a second bus bar 1302; however, the disclosure of the
bus bars 1300,1302 should not be considered limiting on the current
disclosure. In various embodiments, the bus bars 1300,1302 are
insulated. The first bus bar 1300 has a first polarity and the
second bus bar 1302 has a second polarity opposite of the first
polarity. As shown in FIG. 13, in various embodiments the first bus
bar 1300 is entirely housed within the first channel 522 and
positioned at least proximate to the first side 610 and the second
bus bar 1302 is entirely housed within the second channel 524 and
positioned at least proximate to the second side 612. In various
embodiments, the bus bars 1300, 1302 may be positioned against the
respective sides 610,612 without causing a short circuit due to the
bus bars 1300, 1302 being insulated. As will be described below
with reference to FIG. 15, in various embodiments, electrical
connectors connect the bus bars 1300,1302 to a power module 1304 in
the cold plate 504'. Because the bus bars 1300,1302 are positioned
within the channels 522,524, the bus bars 1300,1302 are cooled in
various embodiments. In these embodiments, the cooling of the bus
bars 1300,1302 permits higher power densities in the bus bars
1300,1302, which may be utilized by the various components in the
equipment rack 506.
[0068] In various embodiments, the cold plate 504' is substantially
similar to the cold plate 504 and includes all the aforementioned
components of the cold plate 504. In addition, the cold plate 504'
includes the power module 1304. As shown in FIG. 14, in various
embodiments, the power module 1304 is housed within the cold plate
504'. The shape of the power module 1304 should not be considered
limiting on the current disclosure. In the present embodiment, the
power module 1304 is a battery; however, in various other
embodiments, the power module 1304 may be any source of power for
various components mounted in the equipment rack 506 or any other
power-related equipment. For example, in various embodiments, the
power module 1304 may include additional equipment for local AC-DC
power conversion, DC-DC power conversion, and/or battery backup
solutions.
[0069] As further shown in FIG. 14, the cold plate 504' includes a
power connector 1420 enabling connectivity with various electronic
components in the equipment rack 506. The cold plate 504' may also
include a control connector 1416 proximate to the back end 806
enabling connectivity with external controls. As shown in FIG. 14,
in various embodiments, the cold plate 504' further includes a
control board 1418 housed within the cold plate 504'. The control
board 1418 may be a printed circuit board ("PCB"), flex circuit
board, or any other desired type of control board. The control
board 1418 is connected to the power module 1304 and the bus bars
1300,1302 and may be used to regulate the power module 1304. In
various embodiments, the control board 1418 may be housed within
the power module 1304
[0070] FIG. 15 shows various connectors for connecting the cold
plate 504' with the support manifold 502'. In various embodiments,
the manifold supply connector 900 extends from at least the first
channel 522, through the center wall 630, through the second
channel 524, through the second bus bar 1302, and to the second
side 612 of the support manifold 502'. In various other
embodiments, the manifold supply connector 900 is positioned such
that it does not extend through the second bus bar 1302. As shown
in FIG. 15, in various embodiments, the plate supply connector 902
extends from at least the manifold side 648 of the cold plate 504'
to the coolant tubing 904 in the cold plate 504'. In various
embodiments, the plate return connector 924 extends from at least
the manifold side 648 of the cold plate 504' to the coolant tubing
904 in the cold plate 504'. In various embodiments, the manifold
return connector 922 extends from at least the second channel 524,
through the second bus bar 1302, and to the second side 612 of the
support manifold 502'. In various other embodiments, the manifold
return connector 922 is positioned such that it does not extend
through the second bus bar 1302
[0071] In various embodiments, in addition to the connectors
900,902,922,924, a manifold voltage connector 1500 in the support
manifold 502' is connectable with a plate voltage connector 1502 in
the cold plate 504'. In various embodiments, the connectors
1500,1502 define an electrical connection path from the first bus
bar 1300, through the connectors 1500, 1502, to the power module
1304 in the cold plate 504'. In various embodiments, the manifold
voltage connector 1500 is connectable with the plate voltage
connector 1502 when the cold plate 504' is in the neutral position
and the connectors 1500,1502 are engaged. The manifold voltage
connector 1500 electrically connects to the first bus bar 1300 and
extends through the first channel 522, the center wall 630, the
second channel 524, and the second bus bar 1302 to the second side
612 of the support manifold 502' in various embodiments. In various
other embodiments, the manifold voltage connector 1500 is
positioned such that it does not extend through the second bus bar
1302.
[0072] In various embodiments, the plate voltage connector 1502
electrically engages the manifold voltage connector 1500 and is
further electrically connected to the power module 1304 in the cold
plate 504'. In various embodiments when the manifold voltage
connector 1500 and the plate voltage connector 1502 are connected,
an electrical circuit is completed enabling electrical flow from
the first bus bar 1300, through the connectors 1500,1502, to the
power module 1304.
[0073] In various embodiments, a manifold ground connector 1518 in
the support manifold 502' is electrically connectable with a plate
ground connector 1520 in the cold plate 504' to define a flow path
from the power module 1304, through the connectors 1518,1520, to
the second bus bar 1302 in the support manifold 502. In various
embodiments, the manifold ground connector 1518 is connectable with
the plate ground connector 1520 when the cold plate 504' is in the
neutral position and the connectors 1518,1520 are engaged. As shown
in FIG. 15, the manifold ground connector 1518 electrically
connects to the second bus bar 1302 and extends to the second side
612 of the support manifold 502'.
[0074] In various embodiments, the plate ground connector 1520
electrically engages the manifold ground connector 1518 and is
further is electrically connected to the power module 1304 in the
cold plate 504'. In various embodiments when the manifold ground
connector 1518 and the plate ground connector 1520 are connected,
an electrical circuit is completed enabling electrical flow from
the power module 1304, through the connectors 1518,1520, to the
second bus bar 1302. The number or shape of the connectors
1500,1502,1518,1520 should not be considered limiting on the
current disclosure as in various other embodiments, any number of
connectors may be used and the connectors 1500,1502,1518,1520 may
have any desired shape or configuration for establishing an
electrical pathway from the bus bars 1300,1302, through the
connectors 1500,1502,1518,1520, and to the power module 1304.
[0075] FIG. 16 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cold
plate 504 mounted on the support manifold 502' taken along line
16-16 in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 16, the plate retainer 642 is
positioned in the retainer pocket 640 and the coolant pocket
retainer 1106 is positioned in the coolant connector pocket 1100 in
the neutral position. In various embodiments, the cold plate 504'
also defines a power connector pocket 1602. The power connector
pocket 1602 may include a power pocket retainer 1604 positioned in
the power connector pocket 1602 for mounting and retaining the cold
plate 504' on the support manifold 502'. In various embodiments,
the power pocket retainer 1604 is substantially similar to the
coolant pocket retainer 1106 and the plate retainer 642. The power
connector pocket 1602 may also include at least a portion of the
plate voltage connector 1502 extending through the power connector
pocket 1602 and a portion of the plate ground connector 1520
extending through the power connector pocket 1602.
[0076] FIG. 17 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cold
plate 504' mounted on the support manifold 502' taken along line
17-17 in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 17, in various embodiments, a
plate retainer 642 is positioned in the retainer pocket 640, the
coolant pocket retainer 1106 is positioned in the coolant connector
pocket 1100, and the power pocket retainer 1604 is positioned in
the power connector pocket 1602 in the neutral position. In
addition, the connectors 902,924 are positioned in the coolant
connector pocket 1100 to connect with connectors 902,922 of the
support manifold 502'. The power connector pocket 1602 includes the
connectors 1502,1520 positioned in the power connector pocket 1602
to connect with the connectors 1500,1518 of the support manifold
502'.
[0077] FIG. 18 shows various embodiments of an actuation system
1800 for use with connectors 902,924. In various embodiments, the
actuation system 1800 may be utilized with the cold plate 504 and
support manifold 502 or the cold plate 504' and support manifold
502'. As shown in FIG. 18, in various embodiments, plate supply
connector 902 includes an inner sleeve 1808 and an outer sleeve
1810 and the plate return connector 924 includes an inner sleeve
1812 and an outer sleeve 1814. In various embodiments, any of the
connectors 900,902,922,924 may include an inner sleeve similar to
inner sleeves 1808,1812 and an outer sleeve similar to outer
sleeves 1810,1814. In the current embodiment, the sleeves
1808,1810,1812,1814 have a tubular shape; however, the shape of the
sleeves 1808,1810,1812,1814 should not be considered limiting on
the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, the sleeves
1808,1810,1812,1814 may have any desired shape. As will be
described below, the inner sleeves 1808,1812 are movably positioned
within the outer sleeves 1810,1814 to selectively engage any of the
connectors in the cold plates 504 with connectors in the support
manifold 502. The number of sleeves in each connector should not be
considered limiting on the current disclosure.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 18, in various embodiments, the actuation
system 1800 includes a sliding pin 1802, a pivot pin 1804, and a
cam 1806 mounted on the pivot pin 1804. As shown in FIG. 18, the
sliding pin 1802 includes a first pin arm 1816 connected to the
inner sleeve 1808 through a first sliding slot 1918 in the outer
sleeve 1810. In various embodiments, the sliding pin 1802 also
includes a second pin arm 1818 connected to the inner sleeve 1812
through a second sliding slot (not shown) in the outer sleeve 1814.
As described below, the sliding pin 1802 is slidably positioned by
the cam 1806 from a position spaced away from the manifold side 648
within the cold plate 504 to a position proximate or adjacent to
the manifold side 648.
[0079] FIG. 19, shows the cold plate 504 and support manifold 502
in a disengaged and unmated position. As shown in FIG. 19, in this
position, the plate retainer 642 is not positioned within the
coolant connector pocket 1100 and the manifold side 648 of the cold
plate 504 is spaced apart from the second side 612 of the support
manifold 502. As shown in FIG. 19, in various embodiments, the
manifold supply connector 900 includes an inner sleeve 1900 and an
outer sleeve 1902. The inner sleeve 1900 includes an inner sleeve
outer surface 1904 and the outer sleeve includes an outer sleeve
outer surface 1906. Although not shown, in various embodiments, the
manifold return connector 922 also includes an inner sleeve and an
outer sleeve; however, the number of sleeves of the manifold supply
connector 900 or the manifold return connector 922 should not be
considered limiting on the current disclosure.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 19, the inner sleeve 1808 of the plate
supply connector 902 includes an outer surface 1908 and the outer
sleeve 1810 of the plate supply connector 902 includes an outer
surface 1910. In the disengaged and unmated position, the inner
sleeve 1808 is recessed into the cold plate 504 such that the outer
surface 1908 is spaced away from the manifold side 648 into the
cold plate 504 and inward into the cold plate 504 relative to outer
surface 1910.
[0081] The cam 1806 includes a body 1912 having a claw portion 1914
and a hump portion 1916. The claw portion 1914 is used to engage
the plate retainer 642 and the hump portion 1916 is used to movably
position the sliding pin 1802 from a position spaced away from the
manifold side 648 to a position proximate to the manifold side 648.
As shown in FIG. 19, in the disengaged and unmated position, the
claw portion 1914 is disengaged from the plate retainer 642 and the
hump portion 1916 is disengaged from the sliding pin 1802.
[0082] FIG. 20 shows the cold plate 504 and support manifold 502 in
a mated but disengaged position. In this position, the cold plate
504 and support manifold 502 are positioned at least adjacent to
each other such that the second side 612 is positioned adjacent to
the manifold side 648. As shown in FIG. 20, in this position, the
outer surface 1906 of the outer sleeve 1902 of the manifold supply
connector 900 is at least adjacent to the outer surface 1910 of the
outer sleeve 1810 of the plate supply connector 902. In the mated
but disengaged position, the outer surface 1908 of the inner sleeve
1808 of the plate supply connector 902 is positioned spaced apart
from the outer surface 1904 of the inner sleeve 1900 of the
manifold supply connector 900.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 20, in the mated but disengaged position,
the cam 1806 is partially rotated about the pivot pin 1804 such
that the claw portion 1914 partially engages the plate retainer 642
to hold the cold plate 504 against the support manifold 502. The
rotation of the cam 1806 about the pivot pin 1804 also causes the
hump portion 1916 to contact the sliding pin 1802. In various
embodiments, the hump portion 1916 contacts the sliding pin 1802
without moving the sliding pin 1802 in the mated but disengaged
position.
[0084] FIG. 21 partially shows the cold plate 504 and support
manifold 502 in a mated and engaged position. As shown in FIG. 21,
in this position, similar to the mated but disengaged position, the
second side 612 is positioned adjacent to the manifold side 648 and
the outer surface 1906 of the outer sleeve 1902 of the manifold
supply connector 900 is positioned at least adjacent to the outer
surface 1910 of the outer sleeve 1810 of the plate supply connector
902. In addition, in this position, the outer surface 1908 of the
inner sleeve 1808 of the plate supply connector 902 is positioned
at least adjacent to the outer surface 1904 of the inner sleeve
1900 of the manifold supply connector 900.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 21, in the mated and engaged position, the
cam 1806 is further rotated about the pivot pin 1804 such that the
claw portion 1914 full engages the plate retainer 642 and holds the
cold plate 504 against the support manifold 502 more securely
relative to the mated but disengaged position. In addition, in the
mated and engaged position, the additional rotation of the cam 1806
about the pivot pin 1804 causes the hump portion 1916 to engage the
sliding pin 1802 and push the sliding pin 1802 towards the manifold
side 648 of the cold plate 504. As the sliding pin 1802 is pushed
and movably positioned towards the manifold side 648 through the
hump portion 1916, the first pin arm 1816 is movably positioned by
sliding in the first sliding slot 1918. As the first pin arm 1816
is slid through the first sliding slot 1918, the first pin arm 1816
moves the inner sleeve 1808 towards the manifold side 648 such that
the outer surface 1908 is positioned proximate to the manifold side
648 and may be positioned adjacent to the outer surface 1904 of the
inner sleeve 1900 of the manifold supply connector 900.
[0086] FIGS. 22-24 show cross-sectional views of an engagement
mechanism 2200 which may be used in combination with the actuation
system 1800 described in FIGS. 19-21. As shown in FIG. 22, the
engagement mechanism includes a sealer 2304, a support 2306, and a
coned-disc spring 2308 in the plate supply connector 902 and a
sealer 2322, a support 2324, and a coned-disc spring 2326 in the
manifold supply connector 900. The disclosure of the coned-disc
springs 2308,2326 should not be considered limiting on the current
disclosure as in various other embodiments, various other similar
spring mechanisms may be utilized. For exemplary purposes, FIGS.
22-24 show the engagement mechanism 2200 with the manifold supply
connector 900 and the plate supply connector 902; however, the
following discussion is equally applicable to any of the connectors
900, 922 or connectors 902, 924.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 22 and described previously with reference
to FIG. 19, the manifold supply connector 900 includes the inner
sleeve 1900 having the outer surface 1904 and the inner sleeve 1900
having the outer surface 1906 in various embodiments. The plate
supply connector 902 includes the inner sleeve 1808 having the
outer surface 1908 and the outer sleeve 1810 having the outer
surface 1910. The sliding pin 1802 is connected to the inner sleeve
1808 of the plate supply connector 902 through the first pin arm
1816.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 22, the outer surface 1908 of the inner
sleeve 1808 defines an inlet 2202 which provides access to a
central passageway 2204. In various embodiments, the central
passageway 2204 of the inner sleeve 1808 allows for fluid flow from
the inlet 2202 into the cold plate 504. As shown in FIG. 22, in
various embodiments, the sealer 2304, the support 2306, and the
spring 2308 are positioned within the central passageway 2204 of
the inner sleeve 1808. The sealer 2304 is of sufficient diameter
such that the sealer 2304 completely blocks the inlet 2202 in the
disengaged and unmated position and prevents fluid flow through the
inlet 2202. The support 2306 is fixably positioned relative to the
inner sleeve 1808. The spring 2308 is positioned between the sealer
2304 and the support 1206. In various embodiments, the spring 2308
biases the sealer 2304 towards the outer surface 1908 of the inner
sleeve 1808 such that the sealer 2304 blocks the inlet 2202 in the
disengaged and unmated position. In various embodiments, the sealer
2304, support 2306, and spring 2308 may be constructed from an
electrically conductive material for power transmission
applications. In various other embodiments, the sealer 2304,
support 2306, and spring 2308 may be constructed from an
electrically insulated material for fluid coupling applications. As
a group, the sealer 2304, support 2306, and spring 2308 maintain
the integrity of the fluid pathway or electrical circuit through
the inner sleeve 1808.
[0089] The manifold supply connector 900 includes the inner sleeve
1900 having the outer surface 1904 and the outer sleeve 1902 having
the outer surface 1906. In various embodiments, the inner sleeve
1900 defines an outlet 2318 in the outer surface 1904. The outlet
2318 provides access to a central passageway 2320. In various
embodiments, the central passageway 2320 enables fluid flow from
one of the channels 522,524 to the outlet 2318. As shown in FIG.
22, in various embodiments, the sealer 2322, the support 2324, and
the spring 2326 are positioned within the central passageway 2320
of the inner sleeve 1900. The sealer 2322 is of sufficient diameter
such that the sealer 2322 completely blocks the outlet 2318 in the
disengaged and unmated position and prevents fluid flow through the
outlet 2318. The support 2324 is fixably positioned relative to the
inner sleeve 2310. As shown in FIG. 22, the spring 2326 is
positioned between the sealer 2322 and the support 2324. In various
embodiments, the spring 2326 acts against the sealer 2322 such that
the sealer 2322 blocks the outlet 2318 in the disengaged and
unmated position. In various embodiments, the sealer 2322, support
2324, and spring 2326 may be constructed from an electrically
conductive material for power transmission applications. In various
other embodiments, the sealer 2322, support 2324, and spring 2326
may be constructed from an electrically insulated material for
fluid coupling applications. As a group, the sealer 2322, support
2324, and spring 2326 maintain the integrity of the fluid pathway
or electrical circuit through the inner sleeve 2310.
[0090] FIG. 23 shows the manifold supply connector 900 and the
plate supply connector 902 in the mated but disengaged position. As
shown in FIG. 23, in this position, the outer surface 1910 of the
outer sleeve 1810 engages the outer surface 1906 of the outer
sleeve 1902 to provide mechanical engagement between the connectors
900,902. In addition, in this position, the sealer 2304 engages the
sealer 2322 to provide further mechanical engagement between the
connectors 900,902. However, as previously shown in FIG. 20, in the
mated but disengaged position, the cam 1806 has not engaged the
sliding pin 1802 to move the sliding pin 1802 laterally towards the
manifold side 648. As such, the sliding pin 1802 has not caused the
first pin arm 1816 to move the inner sleeve 1808 laterally outwards
towards the manifold side 648. As shown in FIG. 23, the force of
the spring 2326 on the sealer 2322 continues to cause the sealer
2322 to block the outlet 2318 and the force of the spring 2308 on
the sealer 2304 continues to cause the sealer 2304 to block the
inlet 2202.
[0091] FIG. 24 shows the manifold supply connector 900 and the
plate supply connector 902 in the mated and engaged position. In
this position, the inner sleeve 1808 is moved laterally outwards
towards the manifold side 648 when the sliding pin 1802 has moved
via the cam 1806. As shown in FIG. 25, in various embodiments, in
this position, the outer surface 1908 of the inner sleeve 1808
engages the outer surface 1904 of the inner sleeve 1900. As shown
in FIG. 24, the sealer 2304 engages the sealer 2322. However,
unlike the mated but disengaged position, in the mated and engaged
position, the force supplied by moving and positioning the inner
sleeve 1808 laterally outwards via the sliding pin 1802 is
sufficient to overcome the force supplied by the springs 2326,2308
biasing the sealers 2322,2304 closed. As such, a passageway 2800 is
created between the plate supply connector 902 and the manifold
supply connector 900. The passageway 2800 enables fluid flow,
indicated by arrows labeled B in FIG. 24, between the connectors
900,902. This connection enables fluid flow from the support
manifold 502, through the manifold supply connector 900, through
the plate supply connector 902, and into the cold plate 504.
[0092] One should note that conditional language, such as, among
others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically
stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as
used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments
include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features,
elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not
generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps
are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or
that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic
for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether
these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be
performed in any particular embodiment.
[0093] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth
for a clear understanding of the principles of the present
disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from
the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the
scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all
combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and
aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are
intended to be included herein within the scope of the present
disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or
combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by
the present disclosure.
* * * * *